Author. 



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Title 



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Imprint. 



10—47372-1 CPO 






AN 0EI6INAL TRAGI-OOMEDY. 



IN TWO ACTS. 



ROCK ALLEN THE ORPHAN: 



LOST AND FOUND. 



\ With Cast of Cliaracters, Stage"' Business, Costumes, Relative 
Positions of the Performers, etc. 



BY W. HENRI WILKINS. 



LUDLOW: 

GAZETTE JOB PRINTING DEPARTMENT. 
1871 . 



bpies of this Play can be had by addressing W. H. Wilkins, Felchville, 
Vermont, and enclosing 15 cents per copy. 






AN ORIGIML TRAGI-COMEDY. 



IN TWO ACTS. 



i ■»»» > 



ROCK ALLEN THE ORPHAN: 



LOST AND FOUND. 



With Cast of Characters, Stage Business, Costumes, Relative 
Positions of the Performers, etc. 



BYW. HENRI WILKINS. 



LUDLOW: 

GAZETTE JOB PRINTING DEPARTMENT. 
1871. 






Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1871 hy W. H. Wilhins, in 
the office of the Libarian of Congress at Washington. 



EDITORIAL INTRODUCriON. 



This little sketch was written during my leisui'e hours, while under 
the protecting shadows of the old " G. M. I." And now as it is about 
to be sent forth upon the broad sea of public taste, there seems due 
from me, to those who by their many manifestations of kind regards, 
have stimulated to the effort, a word in salutation. 

I cannot take you all by the hand, nor shall we very likely meet, 
for I mingle not with the busy crowd, and the quiet spot of country 
where I live is not on the great highway ot travel, so that few are the 
chances that we shall ever see each other face to face. But if your 
heart can find any thing in the different characters of this piece that it 
admires, if one smile is created, or if the time spent in its production 
shall not be judged by you as wasted, the efforts of the author shall 
not have been in vaiu. W. H. W. 



DRAMATIS PERSONiE. 



Cast of Characters as first performed by the Felchville Union Dramatic 
Club, February 3, and 23, 1871. 

Job Hector, Mr. H. F. Thomas. 

Rock Allen, " E. H. Aldrich. 

LaRoy Ochington ^" W. H. Wilkins. 

Capt. Francisco, " A. S. Crooker. 

Demon Dick, " A. S. Hayward. 

Jerusha Hector, Miss Mell. Hoadley. 

LoRETTE Stephens, " Emma Hoadley. 

Drusilla West, *' Lettie Elgar. 

Rena Allen, " Abbie Elgar. 

Three years are supposed to elapse between Acts I. and H. Time, 
darino- the War of the Rebellion. Time of representation, one hour. 



COSTUMES. 

JOB HECTOR — Old-fashioned black frock coat, gray pants and vest, 

palmleaf hat, etc.; 2d dress, Black suit. 
ROCK ALLEN — Gent's Dress suit ; 2d dress, Color-bearer's uniform. 
LA ROY OCHINGTON— Fancy plaid suit, dressing-gown; 2d dress, 

Gent's suit. 
Capt. FRANCISCO— Captain's uniform. 
DEMON DICK— Suit of black, long black whiskers, slouch hat, tall 

boots, belt, pistols, knives, etc. 
JERUSHA HECTOR — Calico skirt, open in front, red petticoat, blue 

and white neckerchief, cap, etc.; 2d dress. Blue gown. 
LORETTE STEPHENS— Common working dress ; 2d dress, White 

muslin or pique. 
DRUSILLA WEST— Morning walking dress. 
RENA ALLEN — White muslin or pique. 



ROCK ALLEN THE ORPHAN. 



ACT I. 

Scene. Comfortably fur nished Room. Aunt Rector paring potatoes , 
lEFT ; Lorctte Stephens sewing, right. 

Aunt H. Lorette Stephens, why on airth don't you go and build 
that fire ! I should like to know when you thought we's guin' to hev 
dinner ? 

Lorette. Why Aunt Hector, that fire is as far along as those pota- 
toes, besides, 1 don't think it is a woman's business to build the fires, 
when there are as many men folks around as there are here. 

A. H. Well 1 never ! When 1 was a gal and hed tu work out for a 
livin' /hed tu build fires, milk cows, feed the pigs, and all sich ; but 
now days a hired gal thinks she must have the parlor half the time, and 
can't step into the sun for fear she'll burn her white skin. But one 
thing is sartin Lorctte Stephens, ef you can't build that fire /caw. 
[Rises in a hurry and about to exit l.] 

Ret. Don't get in a passion Aunt Hector, there has been a good 
fire for this half hour. 

A. H. Then why didn't you say so and not keep me talkin' etar- 
nally ? 

Ret. Because I dread what the conscciuence would be if you could 
not scold once in a while. 

A. H. Well I declare ! your conversation's quite pointed. 

Ret. Can't help it Aunt it's just my style. 

A. H. That's the way, nothin' but style now days. But ain't it 
most time that boy Rock was back? 1 guess he's found something of 
unusual interest to detain him, here he's been gone a whole hour. 

Ret. By the by Aunt Hector did you know that Rock was going to 
the army ? 

A. H. What ! Rock Allen going tu enlist? 

Ret. Certainly, why not, isn't he old enough ? 

A. H. Yes, I 8 'pose so, but fightin', tu him is a new thing, and 
I'm afraid something he won't like. 

Ret. Well, I don't know about that ; I hope j'ou don't mean to say. 
Aunt Hector, that he hasn't courage ? 



b ROCK ALLEN THE ORPHAN. 

A. H. Oh I I presume he has ; but what do you know of his brav- 
ery ? here he's allers been right to hum never hardly went out of town 
in his life. Why I tell you child, Rock Allen don't know any more 
about war than a speckled chicken knows about making cheese. 

Ret. Well upon my life, Aunt, you form some funny comparisons. 
What do I know of his bravery ? Don't I know he's got lots of it. You 
forget the night Demon Dick and his band attempted to rob the house, 
how Rock made one of the villains bite the dust, how he and Demon 
Dick had a hand to hand light, and how he was glad to get ofl' even 
with his life. If that wasn't an example of true courage, 1 should like 
to know what is ! 

A. H. True child, I reckon Demon Dick did get all he wanted at 
one dose, and as you say if it hadn't been fer Rock 1 don't know what 
might have happened. But gracious goodness ! i( I havn't clean for- 
got my stewed peaches on the stove, and here you say there's been a 
rousing fire this half hour. What is this world a comin' tu ? \^Exit l. 
hurriedly.^ 

Ret. So Rock is going to the war. Well it is his duty Isuppose but it 
will be lonesome here when he is away. I have been in a great many 
diiFerent places and a greai many different societies for one no older 
than I am. But never have I been in such agreeable society, and nev- 
er have I found a person who bore the type of a truer gentleman than 
I have found in Rock Allen. [Enter Rock, r.J 

Rock. Well here he is, now what's wanting ? 

Ret. Ah ! Rock back so soon ? 

Rock. Back, of course I'm back, what but business did you think 
could keep me from you ? And now that 1 have got to leave you 1 — 
never mind I will see you again soon. 

Ret. Oh ! Rock you havn't enlisted ? 

Rock. Yes Ret 1 have It will be hard to leave this dear home, Un- 
cle and Aunt Hector who have been so kind to me, who took me to 
their care when I was a homeless wandering orphan, and they have 
been like a kind father and mother. I say it will be hard to leave them, 
but still harder for me to leave you dear Ret, but the call of duty must 
be obeyed, so 1 have enlisted. [Enter Uncle Hector r-] 

U, H. That's where your head's level my boy, give me your hand 
[they shake hands] you are made of the right kind of stuff; I'm glad 
there's one under this old roof, who isn't afraid to brave the dangers 
of a soldier's life, for let me tell you boy, there is danger in it. 

Rock. Thank you Uncle. I'm not afraid, but 'tis the leaving of 
this old home, these dear familiar scenes and so many kind friends ; 
that sometimes makes me sick at heart. 

U. H, And Ret, what does she say? 



KOCK ALLEN THE ORPHAN 7 

Rock. There she is, ask her for yourself. [Lorette left. J 

U. H. Hulloo ! What are you sneaking back there for ? Come tell 
me how you like this j^ouuh; Rock's new freak ? 

Ret. Come Uncle stop your teasing me, for I do believe you want 
every one to go away, and if you do, I will. [Exit l.] 

U, H. A pretty answer she made me didn't she ? is that the way 
she talks to you ? I'll tell you what 'tis boy, if you go to the war and 
get killed there'll be a funeral in this house sure. For let me tell you 
if you don't already know it, that gal's dead in love with you. 

Rock, [laughing^ Guess not. Uncle. You are getting romantic. 

U. H Well, 1 declare ! If you can't see that you are a blind one. 
{Enter Aunt Hector l.) Well Job Hector you are a pretty man 1 do 
declare. Here I've been waitin' and waitin' lor you to come and do 
that churning, and here I find you a talkin' uv love. Isn't that pretty 
business fer a man of your age? I should think you'd be ashamed of 
yourself; come start and do that churning. 

U H. Why old lady what's put you in a flurry now ? hope you 
ain't jealous ? 

A. H. Makes no difference to you whether I am or not. I say start 
fer that churn. 

U. H. Well if you say so s'pose I must. But I'll tell you what 'ist 
Jerusha Hector, if you had some men they wouldn't be drove round as 
you drive me. [Exith.^ 

A. H. llere Rock Allen ! I want tu know ef 3'ou've been andj'ined 
the army? That gal 0' yournsaid you'sgoin tu,butl never know when 
tu believe her. 

Rock. To be sure I have. Auntie, would you have me stay at home 
when our country ts in danger and calling for help ? when thousands 
are responding to that call from all parts of the Union? No. I will 
join my comrades on the field of battle and if I fall the world will know 
I died in the cause of liberty. 

A. H. AVell I never heard the like o'sich in all my born days. Why 
I declare Rock Allen, you'd ought to be a preacher. 

U. H. [Enter l.] Jerusha ! Jerusha ! The churn's upsot and the 
cream's running all over the floor and the old cat's making the butter. 

Aunt H. [fiercely. 1 Oh ! j'ou old Hector, what won't you do next I 
wonder ? I never see such a thing as a man is. But I must go and save 
what I can of it and I'll churn it too and Job Hector you shall eat the 
butter, and if that cat's there T do believe I shall wring her neck. 
[About to exit i, hurriedly.] 

U. H, Hold on old woman. Ret took up the cream, you'r ealways 
behind time and it's all on account of that loose tongue of yours. You 
have to blaze away about so much before you can stir. 



8 ROCK ALLEN THE ORPHAN, 

A. H. Job Hector you're gettin' tu be the sasiest man I ever did 
Bee, You can tip over a churn of cream and then stand there and look 
me in the face as unconcerned as a fish in the sea. 

U, H. No I can't old lady, nobody can look you in the face and not 
have their blood curdle. 

Rock. Seems to me things look likely for a squall. \ Aside. \ 
A. H. There you go again ; but I tell you Job, you'll get your pay 
for this, perhaps you think I'll get over it sometime, but you'll find 
yerself mistaken. 

U. H. No I didn't expect that, for it would be something nevr if you 
did. 

A. H. Well T never ! I won't stand this another minnit. I hope 
Job Hector you'll try and cam yer feelin's afore any body else sees you. 
[Exit L.] 

U. H. Yes I'll calm mine and I'll calm yours too. {Exit l] 
Ret [enter r.] Rock, Mr. Ochington is in the other room and says he 
wants to see you , 

Roch. Well send him in here for he's just the person I wan't to see 
{Lorette exit r.) Well 'pon my life I'm glad he's come, I'm going to try 
and get him to go to the war with me, but then he won't, he's too 
afraid of powder for that. 

Roy [enter r.] Ah, good morning Rock, how goes the times ? 
Rock. Nicely thank you, please be seattd. [Roy sits l.] 
Roy. I heard Rock that you had enlisted and have come up to con- 
gratulate you. 

Rock. To congratulate me ! I thought you was going to say to go 
with me ; that would look more like the thing. 

Roy. 1 know it Avould and I wish it might be so, but then you see 
I ain't able. [Taking a long breath.] 

Rock. Ain't able ! I should like to know what's the matter with 
you ? 

Roy. Oh ! there's plenty the matter. The doctor says I won't live 
long I'm troubled nights with cold sweats. 

Rock [aside.] That's because he's afraid of the draft. 
Roy. And if I should go down south I'd get the fever and ague and 
shake myself to death and then — and then — 
Rock. And then you havn't got pluck enough. 
Roy. O ! yes I've got pluck enough, but I tell you Tm sick, (an- 
other long breath) My parents say I never was a healthy child. 
Rock. One wouldn't judge so to look at you. [Aside.] 
Roy. And 1 never went alone till I was three years old. 
Rock. Yes! and you havn't been alone much since [Aside.] 
Roy. Well Rock I wish I might lend a helping hand in this glori- 



ROCK ALLEN THE ORPHAN 9 

0U8 cause of liberty. My sister (rising) is all the time telling me to 
enlist, she says nothing ails me, it dues beat all what a nuisance these 
sisters are sometimes, [Exit r,] 

Rock What a queer chap that is who calls sisters a nuisance. Ah, 
that brings back to my memory the days that are past and gone, when 
I, too, had a sister, but now I am without a living relative on the face 
of the earth for it is now five long years since that hellish fiend Demon 
Dick, stole dear Rena. We had half the village engaged in the search , 
but without avail. That villain has some secret retreat, far back on 
the mountains, to which all attempts to trace it thus far have i^roved 
fruitless. He is a bold, fearless ruffian, and he is often in our very 
midst, but so disguised that it is impossible to recognize him. But the 
time will come sooner or later when he shall meet his just deserts, for 
five long years I've been trying to find my lost sister, but she 7nust be 
dead or I should certainly have seen or heard from her. For five long 
years I've been waiting for the time to come when I could pay the fiend 
who so cruelly tore her from her home, in his own coin. For 'tis he 
who made me an orphan, father and mother both died within the year 
of broken hearts, and I was left alone. Ah, someday that villain shall 
find that Rock Allen has a double account for him to settle. {Dmsilla 
enter c.) Good morning. Miss West. 

Dru. Good morning, Mr. Allen, where is Ret ? I want she should 
come down to our house to-morrow and help us make some badges for 
the brave boys who have volunteered to tight for us, and that, I under- 
stand, includes 3/ow, Mr. Allen. 

Rock. I suppose it does. Well, you'll find Ret in the kitchen But 
who do you think has just been here? 

jOrw. Why, how should I know ? 

Rock. But can't you guess ? 

Dru. Of course I can "t so why don't you tell me ? 

Rock. Well, Mr. Ochington has been here, and I've been trying to 
make him enlist. 

Dru. 1 guess you didn't make out much. Wouldn't he make a 
pretty fighting character? Why, he'd jump out of his uniform if he 
heard a gun. Only the other day 1 tried to make him shoot a squirrel, 
but he said he couldn't bear to kill the little things, for it made him 
sick. Phooh ! talk about his fighting. 

Rock. Then you do want him to go? 

Dru. Of course I do. I think it is his duty and the duty of every 
able-bodied man to lend their country a helping hand in her time of 
need ; and I'm glad, Mr. Allen, I've got one friend who isn't afraid to 
help strike the blow, and if there is any way to make that Roy Oching- 
ton a soldier, I should like to be the one to do it. "Oh ! I wish I was 
a man." 



10 ROCK ALLEN THE ORPHAN. 

Rock. What a patriotic little woman you are. 

Dru. Thank you Mr. Allen. If all the women were like me there 
wouldn't be so many heroes as there would "sheroes." But come you 
must be the one to help me, how are we going to get Roy to be a sol- 
dier? 

Rock. I'm sure I don't know, if you can't induce him I don't know 
who can. 

Dru. Well, I'll give him a try. 1 don't want a man that's all the 
time talking love, and I'll tell you what it is Mr. Allen, if he won't go 
to the war I won't have anything more to say to him, and I'm going 
to tell him so the first opportunity {looking r.) and I shan't have to wait 
long for here he comes. I shall depend on you to help me. 

Rock. Never fear for me. {Enter Roy r.) 

Roy. Ah ! Drusie, you here? I've been looking for you. 

Dru. Looking for me. I can't imagine what for, or have you too 
enlisted and come to tell me ? 

Roy. Did you think I would enlist ? 

Dru, No, to be sure I didn't. 

Roy. No, I couldn't bear the thought of leaving you so long. 

Dru. But if you don't enlist you shall leave me or I'll leave you, so 
if you don't put 3'our name down pretty soon, I won't have anything 
more to say to you, do you hear that ? 

Roy [si()hing,\ Yes I hear it all and more too. {Aside) I guess I 
shall have to give her up for I can't light, I'm sick, {another long breath) 

Dru. Come what do you say? 

Roy. I — I'll think of it Drusie. I'll let you know soon, 

Dru. Don't Drusie me any more. I see how it is, you and I are 
through. I declare Rock, I've almost forgotten Ret. {about to exit h.) 
1 hope, Mr. Ochington, you'll think that matter over. [Exit l.] 

Roy. Yes, I'll think it over. Oh ! dear what does ail all the women. 
Rock, do you think that gal is in earnest ? 

Rock, She appears like it to me. 

Roy. What shall I do then I can't go for a soldier , I shouldn't live 
a month, but she says nothing ails me. What a world of trouble this 
is. [exit R.] 

Rock. Ha, ha, ha. If that isn't a chicken hearted chap I never saw 
one, always full of trouble and always sick. But Roy's a good fellow 
after all. 

U. H. [enter c] Hurrah ! Rock have you heard the news ? 

Rock. No Uncle, do tell me. 

TJ H. Oh! such glorious news, my boy, another grand victory. The 
rebels twice defeated, thirty-thi-ee hundred prisoners and seventeen 
field pieces taken. How my heart leaps with joy at the reception of 



ROCK ALLEN THE ORPHAN. 11 

such news. Oh, would that I were young again and could bear a liand 
in the stril'e which is now going on. Oh ! Rock were I in your place 
I should be impatient to be on my way to join the noble boys in blue. 

Rock. And so I am, Uncle, but I must wait for the time which will 
soon be here, only one short week more and I leave these bright scenes 
for the sunny south, whose fair face is now being plowed by shot and 
shell, and where such deadly strife now exists. 

U. H. Oh ! Rock it does my old soul good to hear you talk so. 
Hard as it will be to have you leave uf=, still harder would it be to 
see you here when you are so much needed in the fiehl. 

Rock. But you forget, Uncle, there must be some at home to take 
care of our dear mothers, wives, and sisters, while their husbands, 
sons, and brothers, are engaged in so noble a cause and trying to make 
us a Union strong and free, even at the cost of their own blood. 

U. H. So. there has, my boy, so there has, but that should be left 
for those like me. But say Rock, in whose care are you going to leave 
your wife ? 

Rock. That is an article I don't happen to have. Uncle. 

U. H. But what's the diiierenee, I'd like to know, you will have 
one soon when you come back. 

Rock. Perhaps I shan't come hack. Think of the danger to whicii 
I am exposed ; but had 1 a wife and 1 could get your consent, I would 
leave lier in your care, for I am sure 1 could find no better. 

U. H. All right then Rock, she shall stay and ["11 take good care of 
her. 

Rock. Thank you Uncle, but you look a good ways ahead. How 
i do you know I ever intend to have a wife. 

U. H. Come now don't try and play off in that kind of style for if 
you and Lorette Stephens don't hitch up, 1 say you are a pair of fools ; 
but here comes the old lady [looking l] 

Rock. Then surely there'll be another breeze, so I'll step out [exit r.] 

A. H. [Eji/er l. loith a skein of yarn] Well, Job Hector, you are a 
pretty man I do declare. 

U. H. That's what you always call me j'ou know. 

A. H. When you're wanted you're always sneakin' off somewhere. 

U. H. Why, what's the matter now, old lady ? 

A. H. Old lady ! don't you dare to call me old lady if you do I'll — 
{fiercely) sit down and hold this yarn. 

U. H. Well then, old lady— 

A. H. Stop, 1 say, what do you mean to talk in that way to j^our 
own lawful wife ? 

U. H. Why, didn't you say if I called you old lady you'd sit down 
and hold that yarn, and the Lord knows I don't want to if lean help it. 



12 ROCK ALLEN THE ORPHAN. 

A. H. No, of course you don't, but you shall hold it. [thrusting the 
skein on his hajids.] 

U. H. Well, if I must, I must I suppose. (io/A sit l) But talk about 
your being my Zai«/'w/ wife, you'd better say awful wife, for if you 
ain't one I never saw one in my life. 

A. H. There Job, that'll du, Iv'e took about enough of your slan- 
derin' fer once. Don't it look well fer a man to be all the whole time 
jawin' to his wife ? There you've let that yarn all off your hands, you 
hinder a great deal more than you help. 

U. H. Do I ? I'm ready anytime to quit, [rising.^ 

A. H. Ifiercely] Sit still I say and tend to this yarn. 

U. H. I thought you said I hindered more'n I helped. 

A. H. Well I say a great many things don't I ? 

U. H. [Calmlyl Once in a while you speak. But where is Lorette? 
why don't you have her hold this yarn ? 

A- H. Oh! she's off rompin' round with that West gal, I do wish 
folks would mind their own business and stay to hum sometimes. 

U. H. Why, Jerusha, you want a girl to work, work, all the time 
and never have a minute to herself. But I'd like to know where you'd 
find another girl like Lorette Stephens? You can't do it. 

A. H. Well, p'raps I can and p'raps I can't, but what's that to you 
I'd be happy to know ? When I hev a gal I hev 'em to work, and not 
to gad 'round all the time. 

U. H Well, it's a wonder you never got rich, 

A. H. I should no doubt if I hadn't got such a lazy old hunks fer a 
man. 

U. H. You're getting quite complimentary in your old age. But 
say, old lady, did you know that the Union troops had gained another 
great victory ? 

A. H. There it is again. Job Hector, can't I never larn you man- 
ners? or will it always be, old lady, old woman and all sich? What 
do you suppose I care about a great victory ? 

U. H. Learn me manners ? I should think you might, I suppose 
you would have me pattern by you ? 

A. H. Of course I would. 

TJ. H, You would have me say then, old Hector, old hunks, and the 
like o' such ? 

A. H. I do think. Job Hector, you'll drive me stark, starin" mad 
with your outlandish rabble. 

U. H. I should hate to make you any worse than you are, but I guess 
there ain't any danger of that. There I'm glad you've got through with 
that yarn. 

A. H. But hold on I've got another job for you so foller me. 



ROCK ALLEN THE ORPHAN. 13 

U. H. Another job ! Well, I never see such a woman for business, 
[Both exit l. Enter Rock and Lorettc c.J 

Ret. Come Rock, now for that story you promised me. 

Rock. What story, dear Ret ? 

Ret. The story of your early life. 

Rock. I fear that will prove of little interest to you, but it can be 
told in a few words. It is now eighteen years since first I came to 
live in this place, before that time my father lived in Rhode Island, and 
was a shoemaker by trade. My sister Rena was then only two years old 
and I five. We had lived in this little village fifteen years when Rena 
was stolen by the wretch who has of late proved such a terror to this 
section. Tliis blow is what hurried father and mother's death , for they 
too, died in a few short months and 1 was left what I now am — a poor 
penniless, wandering orphan. Since then, you know the rest for 'tis 
now nearly five years since I came to live beneath this roof, nearly five 
years since I first saw your bright face, which has ever been like a ray 
of sunshine through the clouds. Thus far my pathway has been cloud- 
ed with sorrow, but even now in the dim distance I can see the rising 
of a brighter future, and there now remains but one thing to complete 
my happiness. 

Ret. And pray. Rock, what is that? 

Rock. It is, that some day you will be my little wife. 'Tis sudden 
I know, but I would know how it is before 1 leave you. 

Ret. Oh ! Rock ! Rock ! 

Rock. What say you dear Ret, don't you love me just a little ? 

Ret. Oh, yes, a great deal. 

Rock. Then you will be mine ? 

Ret. Yes Rock, yours forever. 

Rock. This is indeed too much — more than I deserve, and let this 
kiss be the sweet token of our everlasting fidelity to each other. [Kiss- 
es her.] 

A. H. [enter l.] Heavens and earth ! what next, I wonder? For 
shame on you Lorette Stephens, to let a man kiss you. 

Ret. 1 believe 1 am of age. Aunt Hector. 

A. H. Of age, yes I suppose you are, but ef you's my gal I'd trounce 
you, I would. 

Ret. I want to ask you if Rock hasn't a perfect right to kiss me as 
much as he pleases, for I've ju3t promised to be his wife? 

A. H. What ! you two children goin' to git married ? This is in- 
deed the wonder of the nineteenth century. 

Rock. Do yon call us children. Aunt ? Why, I'm sure we're both old 
enough. 

A. II. Well, times du change that's a iact. Why, when I was 



14 ROCK ALLEN THE ORPHAN. 

young, gals didn't think of getting married afore they's thirty, and 
would you believe it, my mother scolded me because I was so young, 
and I was thirty-two ; but tu see two like you marry, it does beat all. 

U. H. [enter L.J What beats all I'd like to know ? 

A. H. Why, old man — 

U. H. Don't old man me, old woman. 

A. U. Beats all how perticular you're gittin' all to once, 

U. H. But what's that you's going to tell me ? 

A. H- Why, Rock there and that gal's goin' tu git married. 

U, H. Well, that's no very startling news to me, Ifs just what I've 
been expecting this long time. 

Rock. Yes, Uncle, we are going to get married when I come home 
from the war. You know what you told me awhile ago. Well, you 
see I'm going to do just as you told me. I'm going to the war, leave 
ilet here with you, come back and get married and — 

U.H. And then pull up stakes and leave us ? Ah! that will never 
do my boy. This old house, such as it is, is large enough for us ail, 
and you must stay here to take care of us in our old age. Come, what 
say you ? 

Rock, With all my heart Uncle, if such is your wish. 

U. II. And Ret, what does she say ? 

Ret. Oh, it would be the most delightful place in the world for me. 

U. H. All right then, if Jerusha says so — come, how is it ? 

A. H. Well, that's the first time you ever asked my advice, and as 
it is, why, I'll consent to it. But there, what will become of our din- 
ner? [Exit L, enter Roy r. with dressing gonni.] 

Rock. HuUoo ! here's Roy, why Roy, what's the matter now, what 
ails you ? 

Roy. Oh ! that same old difficulty {long breath) and it's growing 
worse every day 

Rock. Then you havn't enlisted yet ? 

Roy. Enlisted ! are you crazy ? here I'm hardly able to bo out of 
doors and to have every one talk about my enlisting. I believe every- 
body'll be glad when I'm dead. {Dru. enter c.) Dru. Ah ! here's 
sickness in full costume. 

Roy. Ah, Drusie, why will you be so cruel? you know I'm sick, 
just see how pale I'm growing and how poor I'm getting. 

Dru. Ha, ha, ha ! I see you're dreadful slim and i^oor, but I've got 
some news that'll make you get well. 

A. H. [sticks her head in L. and says] Say old man, dinner's ready. 

Roy. N-e-w-s, what news ? is peace declared ? 

Dru. Peace declared, not by a long shot, but we're going to have a 
draft. 



ROCK ALLEN THE ORPHAN. 15 

Roy. Oh ! Lord, then I'm a goner {Aunt Hector sticks her head in 
L. again, and says at the top of her voice) Job Hector, ain't you never 
comin' tu dinner ? 

Quick Curtain. 

Lorette, Rock r., Drusilla c, Roy c. Uncle Hector h. 

End of Act first . 



ACT II. 

[Lorette L. with some kind of fancy ivork. Rena r. reading.^ 

Rena [Throwing book on stand h. c.^ I'm half a mind never to touch 
another book as long as I live ! 

Ret. Why, Rena, what's the matter ? 

Rena. Just as if one couldn't write a story without having some 
fascinating hero who is always getting into trouble and coming out a 
big man at the end ; but that's just the way with all of them. 

Ret. Well, Rena, if you're tired of reading, suppose you give me 
a history of the life you've led while you've been gone so long from us. 
I believe you have never told me all, and it is now some time since you 
got back. 

Rena. No 1 have not, and if you will listen you shall hear all, in as 
few words as possible. Yet 'tis a sad story, and as I look back on those 
days of trial and suffering, an icy chill comes over me, which I cannot 
shake ofi". 

Ret. Go on then dear Rena. 

Rena. It is nearly eight years as you know, since I was abducted by 
that wretch known as Demon Dick. It was on the evening of the fif- 
teenth ot November, as I was returning from the village by the back 
path, that 1 was seized b3' two desperate men, a handkerchief tightly 
tied around my mouth, my hands lashed behind me, and was placed in a 
covered wagon between these men . We were then driven rapidly away 
in an easterly direction. After proceeding some distance the bandage 
and lashings were removed, and we continued to ride at a rapid pace 
until nearly dawn. The carriage then halted in front of an obscure 
house, I knew not then where. I was then informed that this was to 
be my home. As I alighted from the vehicle, an elderly man made his 
appearance at the door and called out •'Hulloo Dick 's that you? got 
the gal then it seems ?" To which Demon Dick replied in a triumphant 
tone 'Of course I have old man, don't I always come off top o' the heap '?' 



16 ROCK ALLEN THE ORPHAN, 

I was then led into the house and was told I could have the freedom of 
the front yard (ivhich was enclosed by a high fence) but that I must be 
careful how I tried to escape. 

Ret. And you've been kept a prisoner all these years ? 

Rena. Be patient dear and you shall know all. I was then forced 
to assume a new name, which was that of "Edna Abies" and by that 
name I've been known ever since. 

Ret. Oh ! how horrible, but what was Demon Dick's object ? 

Rena. I think it was this. The man into whose care I was put be- 
longed to Demon Dick's band, and as he was away most of the time 
his wife wanted a companion to stay with her. 

Ret. But how did you succeed in getting away ? 

Rena. It was in this way. 1 used dail}' to go into the yard, {the 
gate to which tvas atways kept locked) and quite often while there I had 
seen a young man go past and look on me with wondering eyes as 
though my presence there was a mystery, and on this man 1 determined 
to call for help, and one day when I saw him coming I contrived to be 
near the gate, and threw him a piece of paper on which I had written 
these words "I am a prisoner here and cannot get away, for this gate 
is kept locked. If you can free me I will reward you if in my power." 
I threw the paper to him and went directly in. The next day 1 was 
there and he threw me a bunch of keys to which was attached a piece 
of paper containing these words, "Get away from here if you can and 
come to mj' home which is one mile from here, and the first house to 
which you come." That night I succeeded in fitting one of the keys 
to the lock and escaped. I was kindly received by this young man's 
parents where I stayed one week, and was there told I was about fifty 
miles from home, for which 1 determined to start and as this young 
man's father was coming about halfway to fetch his son to the cars he 
offered to bring me home. When I arrived at the depot I said to my 
preserver "How shall I reward you ?" his answer was "Don't talk of 
rewards. It richly repays me to know that 1 was the means of rescu- 
ing you from bondage. Good-bye — we shall meet again sometime." 

Ret. Oh, how kind. 

Rena. I was then taken to my native village and there I learned of 
father and mother's death, and that Rock had enlisjcd — the rest you 
know. 

Ret. Thank you dear Rena, it is truly a sad story and one in which 
I have been deeply interested. Yes, Rock is in the army, but 'tis a 
long time since I have heard from him, the last I knew he had just been 
promoted to color bearer. 1 fear that something has happened to him 
or he would certainly have written. [Enter U. H. r. with letter.] 

U. H. HuUoo ! gals, what's going on here ? Why, I declare you're 



ROCK ALLEN THE ORPHAN. 17 

still as mice. But here's something that'll open your eyes (a?'s l. hold- 
in(j up letter) here's a letter mailed Washington, D . C , and I'll bet it's 
from Rocii. {^looking at the letter) Why he's quite a im/isi ain't he 
gals ? [ Giving letter to Eet.\ 

Rena. A letter from Rock ? [ ,p , , 

Ret. A letter from Rock? ^ together. 

U. H. That's who 1 s'pect it's from, but 1 presume you'll {looking 
at Ret) find out in the course of a day or two. 

Ret. Yes, 'tis from Rock. 

U. H. Well, then I'll be a leaving, for I know gals don't want old 
folks round when they're readin' sich letters. [Exit r.] 

Rena. Oh, I am so impatient to know the contents. [Lorette opens 
letter.] 

Ret. Oh Rena, hear what he says (reads) "It is now a long time 
since you Iiave heard Irom me I know, and the reason I have not writ- 
ten is because I have been a prisoner in the Libby, and have been very 
eick since I was exchanged, but I made the acquaintance of a lady who 
has taken the best care of me. I shall be at home in two weeks from 
the time I write this, and I'm going to bring with me one of the best 
men in the world ; the Captain of my company is going to spend a few 
weeks with me at home. The war is almost through and I'm coming 
hoDie for good, won't we have a glorious time then ? But I'll not write 
more now for I shall see you again soon." Why, Rena, this letter was 
written over two weeks ago and we may expect Rock at any moment. 

Rena, Oh ! how I long to see my dear, dear brother. 

Ret. He little dreams of the pleasant surprise that awaits him here. 

Rena. And he says he's going to bring his Captain with him. Who 
knovrs but what he and I can "make a trade ?" 

Ret. Oh how I should laugh to see you a Captain's wife. But Rena, 
the one who most deserves your love is the person who so kindly rescued 
you from that villain's prison. 

Rena. So he does Ret, so he does,and you little know how I long to 
see him, although we were acquainted but one short week, still his im- 
age has ever since continually haunted me, and were I to trust myself 
to another's care, I know of no one in whom I should have so much con- 
fidence, as in him, but by the way he's in the army, too. 

Ret. What, your cavalier in the army too? 

Rena. Yes, he was home on furlough when he so nobly took me 
from my prison home. [Enter Roy r.] 

Roy. Hulloo girls, did you know that Rock's regiment had been 
discharged, and the boys are coming home? 

Rena. Why, Mr. Ochington, how you scared us. 

Ret. Did I know that the boys were coming home? of course I did, 



18 ROCK ALLEN THE ORPHAN. 

but no thanks to you sir, for if they had all been like you, that is where 
they would have been now, unless the draft had compelled them to go. 
Although they might have escaped that, by being sick, perhaps. 

Roy. Come now Ret, that is too bad to talk that way. I've never 
been able to join the army since the war broke out and I can prove it 
too. 

Ret. You could if every one believed your story of it. 

Roy. There it is again. To be sure, I'm looking a little better now 
but what of that ? I may soon be worse. 

Ret. Not unless the Kebelliou has a relapse- You would have been 
well two years ago if the war had come to an end at that time. 

Roy. Can't I go no where but what 1 must have war thrown in my 
face ? and it's all on account of you. [Pointing to Lorette] 

Bet. Ha ! ha ! ha ! I tried my best to fix you, but you were too far 
gone, but the pill that cured the war, cured you. Yes, Mr. Ochington, 
I now have hopes of you — you will get well. 

Roy. Oh ! must I endure all this? [Enter Drusilla c.J 

Dru. Of course you must and its just good enough for you. Here 
you've been at home all these years recruiting as you call it, while your 
fellow men have so nobly fought and bled to save our Union from being 
destroyed. Why 1 declare, you look about as sickly as the Giant of 
Palestine ! isn't he a sickly looking little fellow? [Turning to Ret and 
Rena and patting Roy on the shoulder — all laugh.] 

Ret. But he says he's feeling better now. 

Dru. Glad to hear it, I began to think I was going to lose you, 

Roy, [aside ,r's r.] And 1 began to think I was going to lose you 
one while. 

Dru. Girls, when do you expect Rock? I suppose before long ? 

Ret. Yes he may come any day. 

Dru. Rena, what will he think when he finds you here ? 

Rena, I don't know, but 0, how 1 wish he was here. 

Roy. Well girls I don't think you'll miss me if I step out ? 

Dru. Not at all sir I assure you — you can go just as well as not. 

Roy. Of course I can, I might have known it. [Exit R.J 

Rena. There Drusie, I think you are too bad to talk so, Roy's a 
nice fellow and you know you like him too, I know you are all in fun 
but he takes it to heart so, I think you had not ought to do it. 

Dru. What a little sympathiser you are, Rena. You'd better set 
your cap for Roy, I'll give up my claim. 

Rena. Thank you, but I've got a Captain that I exj^ect every day. 

Dru. A Captain ! what do you mean, Rena ? 

Rena. Oh ! nothing only Rock is coming home soon, and he's going 
to bring his Captain with him and I'm going to fish for him, that is if 
he is handsome and got plenty of money. 



ROCK ALLEN THE ORPHAN 19 

Dru. I hope you will succeed. 

Rena. I hope so too. [Enter A. H.-i..] 

A. H. Gals, hev you seen anything of my old man ? he's always tot- 
ing off when he's wanted. 

Ret. He was here a few moments ago and I supposed he was going 
into the kitchen. 

A. H. Kitchen ! catch him in the kitchen when he isn't obliged to 
be. [Enter U. H. R.j 

U. H. Why, old woman what's out now ? 

A. H. Out ! that's a purty question fer you tu ask. Why, j^ou 
are out just as you always are ef there's anything tu be done. 
U H. Why, what under Heavens has got to be done now ? 

A. H. I'll let you know what's to be done. But where hev ye been 
all the mornin' ? 

U. H. All the morning ! I've only been over talking with Deacon 
Trim a few minutes. 

A. H. Pretty business I should think when there's work to be done 
But I'll trim yoa if you don't come and turn that clothes wringer for 
me. 

U H. Why. to-day isn't Monday is it? 

A. II. What's that to you Vd like to know? come, start. [Both 
exit L.J 

Dru. Ilet, 1 don't see how you get a moment's peace to have her 
scolding all the time. 

Ret. 0, I don't mind it much she doesn't mean half she says. 

Dru. I should think that half was enough, but girls, when Kock 
gets home I want you to take him Ket, and come and see me, and Rena 
you bring your Captain. [Ejcit r.] 

Rena. What a girl that is, to hear her talk to Mr. Ochington is 
enough to make any one laugh. 

Ret. Yes, but she likes him for all that better than any one else,but 
teasing is her forte. [Enter Demon Dick c. pointing revolver at Re?ia] 

Dick. Ah ! ha ! my pretty bird. I have you at last, 

Ret. Heavens ! Rena, who is that vile man ? 

Rena. Great God ! Ret, 'tis Demon Dick. Oh ! those eyes ! 

Dick. Did you think to escape so easily ? Ha ! ha ! when Demon 
Dick gets on your track, woehe unto you. 

Ret. But what means this abrupt intrusion ? 

Dick. I have come for Edna Abies, [Pointing to Rena.] 

Rena. Call me not by that name, foul fiend, I defy you to take me 
I will call for help. 

Dick. Ha! ha! will you? One cry and one of you dies or both if 
need'be {points revolver at Rena) so come with me. 



20 ROCK ALLEN THE ORPHAN. 

Ret. Ch Heavens ! what will become of us? 

Dick. If you will not come without, I must use harsher means. {At- 
tempts to seize her hands, (jirJs scream, Rock and Capt, Francisco rush 
in R.] 

Rock. Hold ! thou merciless wretch ! 

Dick. Praj' who are you sir ? be careful how you intrude in anoth- 
er's business. 

Rock I am Rock Allen whom you made an orphan. But thank 
heaven the time has come when I can be revenged. Demon Dick, you 
are my prisoner, one inch if you dare. {Pointing revolver,^ 

Dick. Think not to scare me young man. I defy God, man, or 
Devil ! take that. {Snaps revolver at Rock but the cap fails tocjo.] 

Rock. Lie, vile wretch ! {Shoots Demon Dick in the side as he goes 
out, Dick puts his hand to his side and falls out c,] 

Ret. Oh I Rock, Rock, what have you done ? you've killed him. 

Rock. Thank heaven for that. But has he harmed you dear Ret or, 
this young lady at your side ? 

Ret. No, Rock I am safe, but why do you say "this young lady" 
Don't you know her? {Rena looks up.] 

Rock. 'Tis Rena, 0, my dear, dear sister. {Embraces her.] 

Ret. But come Rock, why don't you introduce your friend ? 

Rock. Excuse me I had almost forgotten him. Miss Stephens, my 
Captain, {Cajjt. and Lorette bow) ray sister. Captain, {Both look at 
each other.] 

Rena. Robert Francisco ! 

Capt. Edna Abies ! 

Rena. Yes, 'lis she whom you once knew by the name of Edna Abies 
but thank heaven the time ha.= now come when I must no longer go by 
that name, for I can now appear under my own, which is Rena Allen, 
the sister of this dear boy. 

Rock. Why, Captain you seem to know my sister? Can it be that 
you have ever met before ? I have often heard you speak of Edna Abies, 
but did not suppose she could bear any relation to my long lost sister. 

Capt. Yes, my boy we have met before. But without waiting any 
longer you had better see to the body of Demon Dick. 

Rock. You are right Captain, I will. I do not like to take human 
blood, but when the lives of these dear girls was at stake it had to be 
done, but one thing is certain. VYe shall no longer be troubled with 
the depredations of that villain, I shall deUv^er his body into the hands 
of the authority. {Exitn.] 

Ret. But Captain, what have you got there ? ( Captain picks up flag 
which Rock dropped.) Where did that come from ? 

Capt. That, Miss Stephens, is a present to you, from the lady who 
took care of Rock, you will find your name worked on the corner. 



ROCK ALLEN THE ORPHAN. 21 

Ret. But how happened her to send this to me I wonder ? 

Capt. I don't know, but Rock will explain all I suppose. Here 
Miss Abies — excuse me, Miss Allen. 

liena. Don't call me Miss Allen, my name is Rcna. 

Capt. Well then Rena, how have you fared since last we met ? 

Rena. 0, nicely thanks to you sir. But I came very near getting 
back to my old quarters, or somewhere worse, and probably should had 
it not been for your timely arrival. But Ret if you will try and enter- 
tain Mr. Francisco a few moments I will go to Uncle and Aunt Hector. 

Capt. Don't call me Mr. Francisco, my name is Robert. 

Rena. Well, then can you entertain Robert a few minutes ? 

Ret. 0, certainly, at least I'll try. [Exit Reria l.] 

Dru. {enter r,] Ah Ret, Rock has got home hasn't he ? [Seeinr/Capt] 

Ret. He has my dear, he came but a short time since, but let me 
introduce you to his friend Capt. Francisco, Mr. Francisco, Miss West. 
[both salute.] 

Capt. Happy to meet you Miss West, have you any friends in tlio 
army ? 

£)ru. No sir I have not. 

Ret. No but she tried her best to have one. 

Dru. There Ret, won't you keep still ? 

Cajjt. Ha ! ha ! I see, I've heard Rock speak of him. 

Dru. And pray sir who do you mean b\' hmi ? 

Capt. Let me see^I believe his name is — Roy, something, [ don't 
quite remember what. 

Dru. 0, pshaw ! 1 didn't know that Roy Ochington had such a wide 
spread fame ; but no wonder he is famous— for fear and sickness. 

Capt. Yes that's it, Roy Ochington 's the name, so he belongs to 
you does he? There isn't that impertinent ? 

Dru. Yes sir, it is, but I will answer it nevertheless. He doesuH be- 
long to me, and what's more, I don't belong to him 'or any other man. ' 

Ret. Well Drusie, you've told a whopper now, you like Roy you 
know you do. 

Dru. Well what if I do, don't 1 like every body. But that doesn't 
make out that I belong to him . But where is Rock ? 

Ret, Oh, I forgot, will you believe it. (?) Demon Dick has been 
here and tried to abduct Rena again, and doubtless would have suc- 
ceeded, had it not been for the timely arrival of Rock and the Capt. 
Demon Dick is dead, shot by the hand of Rock, and he has now gone 
to see the authroity. 

Dru. This is indeed news. Ret, can it be possible that Demon Dick 
is dead, and that one so young as Rock should accomplish the deed ? 

Ret. Such is even the case, and we shall be troubled no more with 



23 ROCK ALLEN THE ORPHAN. 

his hated presence, for Demon Dick was one of the most desperate and 
bloody villains with which mankind is cursed. 
Dru. True Ret, he has indeed. [Enter U. H. l] 

Z7. H. Not here either — well I should like to know — ah, here he is, 
why my boy — Oh ! but this is not Kock, girls why don't you tell your 
old Uncle where Rock is ? 

Ret. Why Uncle how excited you are. Rock will be in soon. 

U, H. Excited ! well isn't it enough to make any one excited, to 
have a whole army come home ? But here's a soldier, 1 don't know who 
he is, but 1 must shake hands with him {grasps CapVs hand) for the 
soldier's are all my boys and as such I love them. 

Ret. Why Uncle this is Mr, Francisco. Rock's Captain, who ha'? 
come here to spend a few weeks. 

Capt. That is, providing you have no objections. 

U. H. Objection ! why Captain you are welcome a thousand times 
welcome. Rock's Iriendis are my friends, and if you can afiFord to spend 
your time under this old roof, be assured Job Hector will make no ob- 
jection. 

Capt. Thank you sir, {takes Uncle Hectares hand) thank you. I 
appreciate your generosity, and as for spending my time under this 
root, I have no fears but what I shall have a pleasant time, if my ar- 
rival was the cause of another's death. 

U, H. Death! who's dead now? 

Dru. [breaking m.] Why Mr. Hector didn't you know Demon Dick 
was dead ? 

U. 11. Know — Demon Dick dead, why child what do you mean? of 
course you don't mean what you say ? 

Dru. Of course 1 do mean what I say, when I say Demon Dick is 
dead, and Rock Allen shot him while in the act of abducting Rena for 
the second time. 

U. H. Will wonders never cease ? Oh ! such great, grand, and glo- 
rious news. Demon Dick dead ! Oh ! I can't help it. Hurrah ! hur- 
rah ! for Rock Allen. [Swinging hat.] 

Ret. Why Uncle what does ail you ? I never saw you so before. 

U. H. Well, I never was so before, but do tell me how this all hap- 
pened, where could 1 have been ? 

A. H. [enter l.] Where could you have been ? that's a pretty ques- 
tion, you was off gaddin' round some'rs, just as you always are, but 
what's happened ? and. Lord deliver us! who's that man with gold 
on his shoulders? 

Ret. This is Rock's Captain. My Aunt, Capt. Francisco. 

A. H. What, Rock's Captain ! Why how do you do? how glad I 
am to see you. But where's Rock ? 



ROCK ALLEN THE ORPHAN. 23 

Capt. Rock is here, he will soon be in. 

U. H. Look a here old lady — 

A. II. Stop that, Job Hector, I won't stand such slanjr. 
U. H. I say old lady. Demon Dick is dead, and do you b'?lieve it. 
Rock Allen killed him ! 

A. H. Demon Dick dead, who says so ? 

Z7. H. Don't 1 say so ? 

A. H. You, well what are you ? 

U. H. Stop that Jerusha Hector, I won't stand such Slang;, 

Ret, But it's so, Aunt Hector, Rock shot him as he was about to 
steal Rena again, but where were you that you did not hear the noise ? 

U H. 0, she was ofl'gaddin' round som'ers just as she always is. 

Capt. [asiWe.] Pretty sharp shooting here, I think it's getting dan- 
gerous. 

A. H. Well I never. Job Hector, 1 shan't talk to you much more. 

U. H. Well, that'll be one great relief. 

A. H. [turning to Capt.] Well Captain, I s'pose you've got through 
fighting? I should think you'd be glad. 

Capt. Yes. I expect we — or I have for the present, and I'm sure 
I've had enough of it for a spell. 

A. H. Well I should think you'd be glad for I've hear'n tell they 
was awful careless 'bout shootin'. 

Capt. [smiling.] So they are madam, so they are, but there's no gain 
without some danger or loss, you know. 

A. H. Well 1 s'pose there ain't, but sakes alive deliver me from the 
army. 

U. H. I guess the Captain'll think you're a smart woman talking 
about something you don't know anything about. 

A. H. I guess the Captain'll think you're a smart man interfering 
where it's none of your business. 

U. H. Keep it a going, you old escapement. 

A. H. Battle away, you old repeater. 

Rena [enter L.] Why Aunt, if you ain't here, I've looked all over 
the house for you. I wanted to tell you that Rock had come. 

A. H. Well no matter I've found it out. {aside) But what on 
earth is that clod-hopper here for ? 

Rena. Hush Aunt that's his Captain. 

A. H. Captain, well who cares for a Captain? I wish he'd leave, 
but I s'pose I must make believe I like him. 

Rena. Be careful Aunt or he will hear you. 

Dru. Oh! here comes Rock. [Looking u.] 

[Enter Rock r.] 
U. H. Oh ! my dear boy, how long I have waited for this. [Shakes 
hands. ] 



24 ROCK ALLEN THE ORPHAN. 

Rock. And how glad I am to get home again. But here's Aunt — 
why what makes you look so astonished Aunt ? 

A. H, Astonished ! Well I should think it was enough to astonish 
any one ; but I want to ask you it that moustache is nateral? 

Rock [laughing.] Of course it is, Aunt. 

Ret. But Rock, what luck did you have? 

Rock. It's all right dear. Demon Dick will be buried to-morrow 
in the small grove, in the rear of the village churchyard, 

U. H. Well Rock, you've got one job on your hands 1 wish you'd 
get rid of as soon as possible. 

Rock. And pray what is that, Uncle? 

U. H. [pointing to Bet.] That is, to marry that gal right oflF. 

Ret. Pshaw ! what do you mean ? 

U. H. I mean just what [ say, do j'ou hear. Rock? 

Rock. To be sure 1 do. Ret, what do you say ? 

Ret. 0, Z am willing of course. 

Capt. And Rena, w-lll you consent to be my wife and so have a 
double wedding ? 

Rena. Yes Robert, I'll do all I can to help the thing along. 

Capt. And you linll be my little wife ? 

Rena. To be sure 1 will. 

Capt. Rena, this is the happiest moment of my life. 

Rock. Weil, iftliat don't beat all. Uncle we're going to have a 
double wedding, what sayyou? 

U. II. I say go ahead. [Enter Roy R.J 

Roy. Don't you want to take in another partner ? say Drusie won't 
you be my wife ? 

Dm. Yes, I suppose so. 

Roy. Oh ! what a good little girl you are. [Kisses her.] 

Dru. Stop that sir, or I'll do the same. " 

Rock. Uncle, we're going to have a tripple wedding. 

U. H. Well, go ahead. But how does it please you, old lady ? 

A. H. I'll train you for that Job Hector. 

Ret. Rock where did j'ou get this flag? {Picking up flag.] 

Rock. 'Tis a present to you. from the lady who took such good care 
of me in my sickness. You will find your name on the corner, she said 
*' 'Twas a small present but one you could remember her by neverthe- 
less.' 

Ret. 0, I shall, and all the brave boys who fought so nobly under 
it, especially one. [Looking at Rock.] 

Rock. Well then, we shall tind no better place to bid our friends 
adieu, than here, where the bright orb of love is rapidly rising on the 
horizon of future bliss. 

Now friends, for a while, we bid you adieu, 
For in the scenes of this comedy we now have got through. 
But for a place in your hearts, where we'll not be forgotten, 
Is the sincere wish of Rock Allen, the orphan. 

DISPOSITION OF CHARAOTERS. 

Rock, Ret, 

Roy, Rena, 

Dru., Capt., 

U. K, A.H. 

R. L. 



PCT < 1931 



